Water seesaw device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an amusement device with a flat bottomed, buoyant base retaining oppositely directed, cantilevered seat assemblies. With the device in a balanced position, the seat assemblies lie a substantial distance above surface of a supporting body of water. Consequently, occupants of the seat assemblies engaged in seesaw activity can attain relatively high magnitudes of acceleration and velocity before becoming submerged.

[ 1 May 30, 1972 United States Patent Ammerman et al.

[54] WATER SEESAW DEVICE FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS [72] Inventors: Harvey F. Ammerman, 125 Edgell Road,

....272/1 R ....272/32 ....9/l1 A ....272/66 Germany.................. Germany....................

Italy........................

Framingham, Mass. 01701; Alexey P. Radsky, Riverside Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330 [22] Filed: Mar. 18, 1970 Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-Arnold W. Kramer Attorney-John E. Toupal [21] App]. No.:

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Wa in BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to aqua amusement apparatus and more specifically to a collapsible buoyant seesaw device for use in suitable bodies of water.

The well known seesaw or teeter-totter is employed extensively in parks and playgrounds for the amusement of both children and adults. Also known in the prior art is a seesaw- Iike device intended for use in water. A device of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,1 10,047. The unit disclosed in that patent comprises a pair of seat members that extend from diametrically opposed positions on a hollow, buoyant bowl. Persons occupying the laterally projecting seats are purportedly able to engage in conventional seesaw activity. However, because the seats in a balanced position are relatively near the water surface, a downwardly moving user becomes substantially submerged after a relatively short travel distance. The apparent loss of body weight experienced and the water resistance encountered upon the users submersion greatly reduce the magnitudes of velocity and acceleration attainable during the seesaw action. Consequently, the typical exhilaration generated by a sense of motion is significantly diminished.

The object of this invention therefore, is to provide an improved buoyant seesaw device that is relatively inexpensive and easily transported to conveniently located bodies of water.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INVENTION The invention is characterized by the provision of an an amusement device having a buoyant base adapted to float on the surface of a supporting body of water. A pair of seat assemblies are supported by a frame from opposite sides of the base a substantial distance above its top surface. Because of the substantial vertical projection of the seat assemblies above the buoyant base, an occupant is positioned well above the water surface with the device in a balanced position. Users can experience, therefore, a significant degree of rocking motion prior to submersion. For this reason, attainment of the exhilaration associated with relatively high magnitudes of velocity and acceleration is possible.

According to a featured embodiment of the invention, the frame structure includes a radially concave rim member formed by a pair of spaced apart concentric rings joined by a plurality of inwardly curved spokes. The dimensions of the rim member are such as to closely accommodate the inner periphery of a vehicle's inner-tube that functions as the buoyant base. This arrangement provides excellent stability during use of the device while also reducing its overall cost. Furthermore, the inner-tube is readily deflated so as to simplify transport and storing of the device.

One feature of the invention is the provision of an amusement device of the above types wherein the support frame further includes a vertical framework supported by the rim member. In this arrangement the seat assemblies each include cantilevered anns joined at one end to a seat member and attached at opposite ends to, respectively, the upper portion of the vertical framework and the rim member. Both the cantilevered seat assemblies and the vertical framework are demountable from their normal positions so as to permit contraction in the overall dimensions of the device. These features contribute to the operational functions desired for the device while also facilitating its storage both during periods of non-use and when it is being transported.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects and features of the invention will become more apparent upon a perusal of the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the buoyant base removed: and

FIG. 3 is a view in elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown an amusement device 11 including oppositely directed cantilevered seat assemblies 12 supported by a frame 13. Accommodating the frame 13 is an annular buoyant base 14. In a preferred embodiment, the base 14 is an inflatable inner-tube of the type used inside tires. As shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame 13 comprises a vertical framework 15 supported by and extending above a rim member 16. Forming the rim member 16 are a lower ring 17 spaced from and coaxially aligned with a slightly larger upper ring 18. The rings 17 and 18 are joined by a plurality of inwardly curved spoked members 19 circumferentially distributed about the rings 17 and 18 and attached thereto, for example, by welded joints. The vertical spacing between the rings l7, l8 and the radius of curvature of the spoke members 19 are selected so as to accommodate the inner periphery of an inner-tube of desired size.

The vertical framework 15 includes two arch units each including a pair of vertical supports 21 joined at their upper ends by a horizontal member 22. The vertical supports 21 are slidably received by sleeves 23 fixed, for example, by welding, to the upper ring 18 and appropriately positioned spoke members 19. Also included for stabilizing framework 15 are diagonal braces 24 that extend between the arch units and the top ring 18 of the rim member 16. The upper ends of the diagonal braces 24 are connected by removable pins 25 to brackets 26 fixed, for example by welding, to upper portions of the vertical supports 21. Similarly, the lower ends of the diagonal braces 24 are attached by pins 28 to brackets 29 also fixed, for example by welding, to both the upper ring 18 and appropriately positioned spoke members 19.

Each of the seat assemblies 12 includes a pair of outwardly converging, horizontal cantilever arms 31 fixed at their outer ends to a transverse bar 32. The inner ends of the arms 31 are connected by removable pins 33 to brackets 34 fixed, for example by welding, to the vertical supports 21. Also included in each seat assembly 12 is a diagonal cantilevered brace 35 extending between the upper ring 18 and one of the transverse bars 32. The ends of the diagonal braces 35 are slidably received by openings in tubular T-members 36 and 37. Extending through the hollow head portions of the tubular T- members 36 and 37, respectively, are the upper ring 18 and the transverse bars 32. Preferably, the outer T-members 37 are rotatable on the transverse bars 32 so as to facilitate selective orientation of the diagonal braces 35. Seats 39 are attached to the converging ends of the horizontal arms 31 by screws 38.

The main components forming the frame 13 and the seat assemblies are preferably hollow tubes made of a suitable lightweight and water resistant material such as aluminum or plastic. Also, it will be understood that the device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is symmetrical about the lines XX. Because of this symmetry, portions of the devices are omitted from the drawings in the interest of simplicity.

To use the device 11, one or more persons occupy each of the seats 39 in either a standing or sitting position. A teeter totter rocking movement is then initiated in the conventional manner. Because of the substantial projection of the seats 39 above the supporting water surface in a balanced position, substantial rocking movement is possible in either direction before substantial submersion of a user. Consequently, relatively large magnitudes of velocity and acceleration can be attained. Furthermore, the extensive planar base established by the lower edge of the inner-tube 14 provides desirable lateral stability in a direction perpendicular to the seesaw movement.

Contraction of the device 11 is easily accomplished to reduce the space required during storage or transportation. The size reduction is produced by deflating the inner-tube 14 and by dismantling the seat assemblies 12 and the vertical framework 15. After removal of the pins 33, the diagonal braces 35 are easily withdrawn from the tubular T-members 36 thereby completely detaching the seat assemblies 12. In a similar manner, removal of pins 25 and 28 pemiits withdrawal of the vertical supports 21 from the fixed sleeves 23 thereby completely detaching the vertical framework from the rim [6. Thus, relatively simple manipulations effect a substantial contraction of the overall size of the device 1 1.

Another feature provided by the invention is adjustability of the seat members 39. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, additional apertures 41 are located in each of the cantilever arms 3]. These apertures can accommodate the screws 38 and permit longitudinal adjustment of the seat members 39 on the arms 31. Thus, the relative spacing between the seat members 39 and the base 14 can be selectively modified to attain balanced operation for users of different weight.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. A water amusement device, comprising in combination:

buoyant base means in the form of a circular annular member adapted to float in a body of water with the axis of said member vertically disposed, said base means having a bottom surface adapted for contact with the body of water and a top surface adapted to normally project above the surface of the body of water;

frame means supported by said base means, said frame comprising a rim member with an outer edge portion accomodating the inner surface of said base means;

means defining a vertical framework joined to and extending above said rim member supported by brace means attached to and extending between the top of said rim member and the upper end of said vertical framework means;

and oppositely disposed seat means each positioned above and laterally outward of said base means on outwardly directed converging arms joined to the top of said vertical framework means and cantilevered by diagonal brace means to said rim member, whereby occupants of said seat means by being supported a substantial distance above the top surface of said base means are able to experience a significant degree of rocking motion prior to submersion in said body of water.

2. A water amusement device according to claim 1 wherein said base means is inflatable.

3. A water amusement device according to claim 2 wherein said inflatable base means comprises a vehicle tire tube. supports 4. A water amusement device according to claim 1 wherein said rim member comprises a pair of circular supports coaxially spaced apart, and a plurality of circumferentially distributed inwardly curved supported connected between said circular supports.

5. A water amusement device according to claim 1 wherein said bottom surface of said base means is substantially planar and has a periphery that encloses a substantial area.

6. A water amusement device as in claim 1 wherein detachable joining means are used to connect said vertical framework and said rim member to each other as well as to said brace means, and said outwardly directed converging arms and said diagonal brace means to each other as well as to the vertical framework and rim member to permit contraction in the overall dimensions of said device thereby facilitating storage or transport thereof.

7. A water amusement device as in claim 6 wherein said seat means are joined to said outwardly converging arms by means for adjusting said seat means relative to the longitudinal axes of said arm means whereby the relative spacing between said seat means can be adjusted. 

1. A water amusement device, comprising in combination: buoyant base means in the form of a circular annular member adapted to float in a body of water with the axis of said member vertically disposed, said base means having a bottom surface adapted for contact with the body of water and a top surface adapted to normally project above the surface of the body of water; frame means supported by said base means, said frame comprising a rim member with an outer edge portion accomodating the inner surface of said base means; means defining a vertical framework joined to and extending above said rim member supported by brace means attached to and extending between the top of said rim member and the upper end of said vertical framework means; and oppositely disposed seat means each positioned above and laterally outward of said base means on outwardly directed converging arms joined to the top of said vertical framework means and cantilevered by diagonal brace means to said rim member, whereby occupants of said seat means by being supported a substantial distance above the top surface of said base means are able to experience a significant degree of rocking motion prior to submersion in said body of water.
 2. A water amusement device according to claim 1 wherein said base means is inflatable.
 3. A water amusement device according to claim 2 wherein said inflatable base means comprises a vehicle tire tube. supports
 4. A water amusement device according to claim 1 wherein said rim member comprises a pair of circular supports coaxially spaced apart, and a plurality of circumferentially distributed inwardly curved supported connected between said circular supports.
 5. A water amusement device according to claim 1 wherein said bottom surface of said base means is substantially planar and has a periphery that encloses a substantial area.
 6. A water amusement device as in claim 1 wherein detachable joining means are used to connect said vertical framework and said rim member to each other as well as to said brace means, and said outwardly directed converging arms and said diagonal brace means to each other as well as to the vertical framework and rim member to permit contraction in the overall dimensions of said device thereby facilitating storage or transport thereof.
 7. A water amusement device as in claim 6 wherein said seat means are joined to said outwardly converging arms by means for adjusting said seat means relative to the longitudinal axes of said arm means whereby the relative spacing between said seat means can be adjusted. 